Summer’s high temperatures and demanding workloads place significant strain on your equipment, especially on hydraulic systems found in dump inserts and service cranes. These systems, which are crucial for operational efficiency, become more susceptible to heat-related issues during warmer months. By recognizing how summer conditions impact hydraulic performance and proactively implementing preventive maintenance, you can ensure your equipment remains dependable and productive all season long.
How Heat Affects Hydraulic Systems
Hydraulic oil is central to your equipment’s performance. In summer’s high temperatures, hydraulic oil naturally becomes thinner, reducing its viscosity. Thinned oil struggles to maintain sufficient pressure within the hydraulic system, diminishing lifting capabilities. Reduced viscosity also exacerbates internal friction and accelerates wear on seals, hoses, and other vital components, further jeopardizing system integrity.
Overheated hydraulic systems lead to decreased productivity, increased downtime, and costly repairs. Imagine a landscaping crew arriving at a job site on a scorching 95°F afternoon, their dump insert loaded with mulch. When they attempt to dump their load, the system struggles due to the heat-thinned oil.Â
Without adequate pressure, the insert can’t lift fully, forcing the team into hours of labor-intensive unloading. Meanwhile, another landscaping crew, having proactively maintained their hydraulic systems with Levan Machine and Truck Equipment’s preventive services, smoothly unloads multiple mulch loads without interruption, staying comfortably ahead of schedule.
Preventive Steps to Keep Hydraulic Systems Cool
Avoid summer breakdowns and protect your hydraulic investments with proactive measures. Here are the most effective steps:
1. Regular Fluid Viscosity Checks
Monitoring hydraulic oil viscosity is critical, especially as temperatures climb. Regular checks ensure the fluid maintains proper thickness and lubricating properties. Levan Machine and Truck Equipment recommends routine assessments at regular intervals throughout the summer, preventing unexpected failures from viscosity breakdown.
2. Install Return-Line Coolers
Adding return-line coolers to your hydraulic systems provides significant heat management advantages. These coolers dissipate heat effectively, lowering fluid temperatures to safer levels. Cooler fluid maintains viscosity, ensuring sustained lifting power and efficiency during the hottest days. Levan’s expert technicians can guide you in selecting and installing the ideal cooler suited to your specific hydraulic setup.
3. Scheduled Seal and Hose Inspections
Seals and hoses degrade faster under extreme heat conditions. Scheduling regular inspections and timely replacements can mitigate damage risks. Levan’s comprehensive maintenance services include thorough checks of these vulnerable components, ensuring replacements occur before a breakdown interrupts your operations.
The Levan Advantage
Partnering with Levan means fewer unexpected issues, reduced downtime, and extended equipment life. Our preventive maintenance plans are customized to match your operational intensity and specific equipment requirements, maximizing your return on investment.
Schedule Your Preventive Maintenance Today
Don’t let summer heat disrupt your productivity. Levan Machine and Truck Equipment provides the expertise, services, and proactive solutions you need to keep your hydraulic systems running at peak efficiency. Contact us today to learn more about how our comprehensive maintenance services can safeguard your fleet against the demands of summer.